Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Many adults with ADHD have issues that first appeared in childhood. However, the symptoms must be severe and persistent to justify a diagnosis at the age of adulthood.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prone to mood disorders. They may suffer from bipolar disorder or depression. They might also suffer from anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks.
1. Difficulty concentrating
For adults suffering from ADHD problems with attention can make it difficult to stay focused and on task. They also have difficulty staying organized and managing time. These symptoms can be severe or mild however, everyone's experience is different. Inattentive people who have ADHD may seem forgetful or easily distracted, while hyperactive individuals may fidget excessively or talk a lot.
Speak to a mental health specialist or GP if you are having difficulty concentrating and suspect you might have ADHD. A GP can refer you to specialists in the event that your symptoms are severe or moderate and affect your daily functioning.
Stimulant medications are usually the first choice in treatment for adult ADHD. Some drugs can have negative side effects that make them unsuitable or even harmful. Your GP will suggest a medication or combination that works best for you. They will also look at the other factors that affect your symptoms, such as physical and mental disorders, as well as mood disorders.
Stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD are typically quick-acting and last around four hours. Following that, they can cause a rebound or crash effect that can result in a sudden decrease in energy and hunger. The stimulants can also raise heart rate and blood pressure somewhat, so you should tell your GP about any other medications you take.
If you find it difficult to sit still or stay focused, you can try meditation or exercise or taking a walk in nature. You might also benefit from a cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program that will teach you strategies for improving your ability to concentrate and manage your emotions. CBT can also help you improve your relationships by addressing issues like forgetfulness, poor time management, and impulsive behavior.
2. Attention
Inattentive ADHD sufferers have trouble focusing on their tasks and often make naive mistakes. They are often unable to follow instructions, miss appointments, and fail to complete their schoolwork or assignments. They may also have difficulty listening or daydream a great often. This kind of ADHD usually shows up in childhood, but can last throughout adulthood, causing issues at work or school.
Although everyone loses their phones or keys every now and then, a habit of regularly losing items that are essential can indicate that someone is suffering from inattention. People with inattentive ADHD can also be disorganized or unorganized and have difficulty keeping track of their belongings. They may make a lot of mistakes at work or at school, such as not proofreading the report or omitting important details on a project.
People with inattentive ADHD often feel that they are the cause of their own failures. This can result in an endless cycle of low self-esteem and depression. They may find it easier for them to mask their symptoms if they blame others or avoid social activities. They may find it difficult to reach their goals at work or at at home and are more prone to be criticised for being unfocused, inactive or unprofessional by coworkers.
To diagnose a person with inattentive ADHD, a health professional will inquire about the person's symptoms and the time they manifest. They will also use an ADHD rating scale to gauge the extent of how ADHD affects your daily life. They may also talk to people who knew the person as a child and ask questions about their development. They may also want to know more about any other physical or emotional problems.
3. Impulsivity
Adults who have adhd may exhibit different symptoms as children. A child with ADHD may be agitated and talkative in the classroom, whereas adults might interrupt others or get into games or engage in other activities without permission. They might forget appointments or miss deadlines, or make impulsive decisions that strain relationships with co-workers or friends.
Adults who exhibit impulsive behavior may have issues with schoolwork or performance and may be at risk of having accidents or legal issues. They are also more likely to develop depression and other mood disorders. A mental health professional or a doctor can help people with impulsivity how to stop before they act and think about the consequences. They may prescribe medications such as guanfacine or clonidine. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be helpful.
For someone to be diagnosed as having an illness that affects the ability to control impulses, there must be persistent problems throughout their lives. Adults aren't usually thought to have a serious medical condition unless they show symptoms that are present since childhood or cause clinically significant impairments in multiple areas of their life.
If impulsive behavior is interfering in the lives of a person, he or she should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. They might recommend therapy or treatments referred to as accommodations, which are methods or changes to the environment that help manage a disorder. For example using a planner, establishing routines, tracking schedules using smartphone apps or seeking assistance from teachers or colleagues can all be beneficial. They can also suggest cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to change the way an individual views an event. This can alter their behaviour.
4. Hyperactivity
Many adults with ADHD don't experience restlessness or fidgeting. But they may have trouble sitting for long periods of time, waiting their turn, or observing instructions in school and work. They are more likely to experience frequent mood swings and have a low tolerance for anger. This can cause conflict between spouses.
To be able to diagnose ADHD in adults, the signs must have been present since before the age of 12. They must be present in at least two different settings and seriously affect their performance. A mental health professional or primary healthcare provider who is certified in ADHD must determine the diagnosis. A thorough evaluation should also be done. This includes the description of symptoms by the individual and their caregivers. Also, it includes an interview with the person about their behavior, experiences at school, work and at home, aswell as a review of their medical history. Physical examinations are also crucial as certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and thyroid disorders, can cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.
A comorbid condition such as anxiety or depression, can frequently co-occur with ADHD and make it difficult to manage the symptoms. If a comorbid condition is discovered, it should be treated to help manage the ADHD.
Some people with mild ADHD symptoms find that medication or other interventions may be sufficient to enhance their lives. adhd treatment for adult women with moderate symptoms are more likely to experience issues with their work or social life, while those with severe symptoms can struggle to keep jobs and relationships. In these cases couples therapy, classes in communication, and therapy that teaches people how to cope can be helpful.
5. Disruptive behavior
ADHD symptoms can sometimes cause disruptive behavior. These include forgetting important dates or events as well as ignoring others and interrupting frequently, making irrational decisions, not following rules and other problems that can strain relationships. Therapy that teaches skills to improve organization and reduce thinking distortions that contribute to negative moods may be helpful. These issues may also be helped by mood stabilizers (antidepressants).
A medical professional may use a checklist or behavior rating scale to determine whether an adult has the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. A thorough evaluation will usually consist of a detailed review of the child's experiences and behaviour. A mental health professional may request permission to speak with family and friends about the person's history. A health care provider may also conduct psychological and medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that can cause or coexist with ADHD, such as anxiety, insomnia, depression and low blood pressure. high or low blood sugar levels, and the use of drugs.
Adults with ADHD typically have at least six symptoms of inattention and five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be evident across a range of settings and result in clinically significant impairments for at least six months in order to receive an ADHD diagnosis. (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
The signs and symptoms of ADHD are likely to change as individuals age, and they can also vary depending on the circumstances or environment. Certain people may need to take medication to manage their ADHD. Some people will benefit from behavioral therapy such as counseling or parent education. Adults with ADHD may need to work closely together with their teachers and staff to receive the assistance they need at school.